Revision as of 01:07, 30 April 2010

The Binirayan Festival, celebrated in the province of Antique every end of April, is a month-long colorful commemoration of the landing of the ten Bornean datus in Malandog, Hamtic, Antique in the mid-thirteenth century. Unlike other Visayan festivals that honor and venerate Señor Sto. Niño, the Binirayan remembers the Malay roots of the Antiqueños.

In the 1970s, the localities of Antique decided to stage an event when they could get together as people of the island – tracing their noble roots and looking back to the achievements of their ancestors. Thus, the first Binirayan Festival was held from 30 April to 1 May 1974, as advocated by Evelio B. Javier, then governor of the province. Javier died in 1986, but the annual celebration of this event has continued.

Celebration

The Binirayan Festival is celebrated in a colorful manner in Antique. It composed of a series of theatrical street plays in local language and the actors and actresses in full Malayan costume. The presentation commenced at the exact location where the ten datus originally anchored. The event has several features as well, which includes the Biray (flotilla of vibrant sailboats similar to those that was “used” by the Bornean datus), an exuberant parade, the Bugal kan Antique Awards, Lin-ay kang Antique and Pasundayag among many others. This festival also showcases the local finery and the ingenious crafts of its people, thus, makes way in promoting the region's tourism.

Lin-ay kang Antique

Lin-ay kang Antique (LKA) was initially known as Miss Antique in 1974. It was later named Miss Binirayan, the festival's search for Antique's Ambassadress of Goodwill who, during her reign, shall serve the province by participating in projects and programs organized by the Binirayan Foundation and other government agencies. The pageant consists of personality and talent presentations, interviews, and other activities arranged by the committee. The LKA final presentation and coronation are usually held on the last Saturday of April.